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Colts record incredible rally to top Chiefs

Colts record incredible rally to top Chiefs

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 15: Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts throws a pass during the NFL game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 15, 2013 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

By Sports Network

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The Indianapolis Colts’ first postseason win in the post-Peyton Manning era had everything to do with Luck — and a little bit of Hilton as well.

Andrew Luck led the Colts back from a 28-point third-quarter deficit by orchestrating five touchdown drives in the second half, the last ending with a 64-yard pass to T.Y. Hilton that lifted Indianapolis to a wild 45-44 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in the Wild Card Round of the AFC playoffs.

After throwing three interceptions that helped put his team in a 38-10 hole, Luck carved up a usually stout Kansas City defense in orchestrating the second-largest comeback in NFL playoff history. The second-year quarterback finished with four touchdown passes, ran in another score on a fumble recovery, and put up 443 yards passing while completing 29-of-45 attempts.

Hilton came up huge as well, hauling in 13 of Luck’s attempts for 224 yards and a pair of touchdowns, none bigger than his go-ahead score with 4:21 remaining.

Donald Brown had both a rushing and receiving touchdown for the fourth-seeded Colts, who could potentially face their former franchise quarterback in next weekend’s Divisional Round pending the outcome of Sunday’s game between Cincinnati and San Diego.

Should the favored Bengals win on Sunday, Indianapolis would head to Denver to face Manning’s Broncos in next Saturday’s conference semifinals. If the Chargers prevail, the Colts will take on second-seeded New England on Sunday.

The Chiefs overcame a concussion to All-Pro running back Jamaal Charles on the game’s opening drive to score on their first five poss sessions en route to building a seemingly insurmountable lead that was erased by Luck’s heroics.

Alex Smith threw four touchdown passes while going 30-of-46 for 378 yards in defeat, while Dwayne Bowe racked up 150 yards and a touchdown on eight catches in the Chiefs’ eighth straight postseason loss since Hall-of-Famer Joe Montana led the franchise to a Divisional Round win during the 1993 season.

Knile Davis compiled 100 yards from scrimmage and recorded both a rushing and receiving touchdown in Charles’ absence, but also exited the contest due to an ankle injury in the fourth quarter.